Norton Motorcycle Jackets - Opinions please

Hi All,

I'm looking to get the opinions of the forum on whether Norton owners would be interested in these jackets if they were Norton branded ( Norton logo on the arm etc). The reason, well I'm talking to Norton about licensing the Norton brand and marketing these jackets to the motorcycling public.

I'm interested in all opinions, so shoot from the hip guys ! Our price point is going to be around £230 - £240 with CE armour fitted to elbows and shoulders.

Will you have the goggles to go with them.

Truthfully, I don't much care for the style. I prefer the slash pockets as on the bottom example, but the large patch pocket with snaps don't appeal to me. The length is something I would have to think about. Sitting on the bike, I like having no gap at the back, but I dont want a bunch of coat piled up on my thighs in front. If the jacket is too long it practically makes a funnel like you are wearing a skirt!

Well, you asked.

Russ

belstaff rip-offs?

Thanks Rvich - As a motorcyclist myself accept your points. We will look at some new designs to suit the modern biker in that case. But, what I want to do is provide a range that has modern features but still suits the vintage/retro biker.

Pelican - It is true that we have taken our ideas from Belstaff's range - But we are not badging them as such. I can list a number of top designers that are doing the same. I own two of these jackets which I initially purchased as a 'punter' and was so impressed with the quality I have since started working with the manufacturer to bring the product to the motorcycle buyer. Belstaff leather jackets retail at £800+ and I feel this unrealistic for most of us and so I started looking for a similar alternative.

Ok, not trying to start a fight. I don't have a problem with affordable reproductions, but copying everything down to the zipper shapes and the flag logos in the exact same place is a little misleading.

I take your point completely Pelican. Our intention would to move designs away from Belstaff and create a new range of jackets with Norton branding. Currently these designs are being bought by those who want the Belstaff look but cannot afford them.

I do like the top "Belstaff look"one, will you be doing them in mens sizes (XXXL) or like most only little boy sizes?

I Like the belstaff looking one as well if the quality is there. In the last few years I have been buying textile jackets because of their flexibility and durability. Where are you located and who are you affiliated with?

Hi Rocker1 - The current sizing (in centimetres) for the Panther style (Long Belted 4 pocket design) is below.



Britbike220 - I own a Panther and I found have found the quality to be very good - I'm wearing it on the bike and will be able to give a true assessment of quality come the spring after it's experienced a British winter !! I personally like this classic style over say a modern textile jacket as it fits with the look of classic biking, I guess it depends on how much of a fashion victim you are : )

The jackets are manufactured in India and currently each one is made to order. This also gives the option to adjust sizes to suit your own measurements (for example I had my jacket made slightly shorter in the arms). I am partnering with the supplier in the UK (I too am UK based). Currently these jackets are being sold with no armour for £169 or £189 for custom measurements - and that includes delivery. The Norton connection is something I'm hoping to explore this year so I'll keep you posted on that.

Anyway, we hope to have a website live later this month which will cover all styles and colours. I will also include a video review which I hope will give buyers a chance to better see the quality and finish in more detail.

You can see some very positive customer feedback at this link;

http://filmjackets.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2111

I hope that helps and if anyone is interested please PM me and I will do my best to help.

For my $0.02, it would have to be the last one, without patch pockets. My thinking on the patch pockets is that they look like an afterthought, and detract from a smooth, streamlined look. The flaps on the patch pockets will curl and deform over time, in fact the unsnapping of the flap contributes to the deformation. Also, if used to carry anything more than a credit card, the patch pocket will be bulky and unsightly.....

Sorry, perhaps that was more than $0.02 worth. But, all that being said, if you had the last jacket pictured, without patch pockets, cut a bit longer in the back than the front, zipper sleeves, in a heavy full-grain hide, in black, I know you could sell at least one..... Zip out liners are a plus too IMO. Any Norton labeling should be understated (unlike 99% of the Harley stuff), and on the sleeve.

Rod

A custom fit is a huge plus. I have long arms, not ape like by any means, but being tall and thin makes jacket fit a bit troublesome. I have found the best fitting and durable motorcycle jackets to be "rev it". If you can provide a good fit and quality to match at the prices you mention, you should do well norton branded or not.

Rod R said:

For my $0.02, it would have to be the last one, without patch pockets. My thinking on the patch pockets is that they look like an afterthought, and detract from a smooth, streamlined look. The flaps on the patch pockets will curl and deform over time, in fact the unsnapping of the flap contributes to the deformation. Also, if used to carry anything more than a credit card, the patch pocket will be bulky and unsightly.....

Sorry, perhaps that was more than $0.02 worth. But, all that being said, if you had the last jacket pictured, without patch pockets, cut a bit longer in the back than the front, zipper sleeves, in a heavy full-grain hide, in black, I know you could sell at least one..... Zip out liners are a plus too IMO. Any Norton labeling should be understated (unlike 99% of the Harley stuff), and on the sleeve.

Rod

Click to expand...

So if the botom one looked like a Schott 141 or perhaps Langlitz Cascade? :wink:

http://www.schottnyc.com/products/men/c ... jacket.htm

http://www.langlitz.com/jackets.shtml

Yes, absolutely on the Schott 141, negative on the Langlitz Cascade... Personally, the Cascade has the following shortcomings; Odd closure angle, missing upper pocket, tassles on the zippered sleeves.... the odd closure and missing upper pocket says "Dr. Spock" to me. The tassles, well, they're tassles. A nice, classic, leather fob like on the front zipper of the 141 is the ticket on the sleeves if anything is required.

I really like the Schott 141, but frankly it looks to me like he's using better hides that Schott, at least on the last example. I would cut it longer in the back, the 141 seems to be straight cut. This is just my opinion, but when it comes to a motorcycle jacket it needs to be heavy.... surprisingly (shockingly)heavy. Such that when someone picks it up, they ask you, "How in the world do you wear this thing, it's so heavy....".

I have a Hein Gericke that has all this going for it, except it is lightweight with no lining..... it has another cool feature, zippers at the front and back where the sleeves attach to the body, which conceal a perforated leather panel.... If I want to wear it in warmer weather the venting makes it super comfortable. I wear a heated liner, not vest, under it in the winter.

That's kind of where I stand on the whole leather motorcycle jacket thing...... everyone has an opinion you know. This one didn't cost anything, and it's only worth a little less than that.... :wink:

Rod

Thanks for the opinions chaps. It seems that a black short jacket minus the breast patch pockets could be a more popular choice. I personally like the idea of quilted shoulder and elbow patches.

I'd also keep any Norton branding subtle, so perhaps a logo on arm.

I've got an older First Gear Scout. Great jacket with an excellent liner. HEAVY when two are put together. Great for early spring and fall riding.

I like the "belstaff" style

Not into body armour, zips and vented panels nor any logo Norton or other (small union flag OK)

Just want good fit, decent leather and good stiching well cast off.

In over 40 years on motorcycling I have bought many jackets.
Before Christmas I weakened and shelled out £980.00 on a
Antique red Belstaff panther jacket .
To say I am happy with it is a massive understatement it's the
Absolute bollocks ,it fits a treat and the quality is top drawer
People come up to me and ask where I bought it , when I tell
Them the price the look of horror on their faces is funny and I have
Bought in the past houses cheaper, most jackets fail on the neckline
Drafts etc .Sometimes in life if you like it and can afford it , just
Buy it , it's no good sitting in the care home in your 80s and wishing
You bought it life's too Fxxckxxg short.
Richard Barks

Richard Barks said:

In over 40 years on motorcycling I have bought many jackets.
Before Christmas I weakened and shelled out on a
Antique red Belstaff panther jacket .
To say I am happy with it is a massive understatement it's the
Absolute bollocks ,it fits a treat and the quality is top drawer
People come up to me and ask where I bought it , when I tell
Them the price the look of horror on their faces is funny and I have
Bought in the past houses cheaper, most jackets fail on the neckline
Drafts etc .Sometimes in life if you like it and can afford it , just
Buy it , it's no good sitting in the care home in your 80s and wishing
You bought it life's too Fxxckxxg short.
Richard Barks

Click to expand...

Will you adopt me? :mrgreen:

No , not unless you are as fit as that bird who works
At the norton factory,
unfortunately i have the money , but sadly
Not the looks or the the youth .........
Got no 6 norton though so life ain't all bad .

Richard